Verdane Capital IX acquires two companies from Skagerak Maturo

Oslo — Verdane Capital IX today announced it has closed a transaction with Skagerak Maturo containing Skagerak Venture Capital I’s and Skagerak Seed Capital II’s ownership in Zisson, a provider of cloud-based communication center software, and Penetrace, a provider of software tools to marketing professionals. The plan is to launch the companies internationally.

Both Zisson and Penetrace have developed and market software solutions and technology that help business-to-consumer companies in their transformation to a cloud-based world of customer care and targeting. Penetrace, through a real-time dashboard of KPIs to measure the effectiveness of offline and online marketing campaigns. Zisson, through a cloud-based contact center solution which makes end-customer communication better and easier. The company has doubled its revenues over the past three years.

“We are switchboard pioneers who have built a unique market position around our cloud-based contact center solution in Norway. We are grateful for the support from Skagerak Venture Capital and Skagerak Seed Capital and other owners on this journey. Now, we are excited to take our first step internationally, together with Verdane Capital IX,” says André Jensen, CEO of Zisson.

Through its software and software-as-a-service expertise, extensive international network and track record of internationalising Nordic technology companies, Verdane Capital IX is investing to help the companies further strengthen their product offering and boost international growth.

“We are excited to announce this investment in two Norwegian high-growth technology companies. Both Zisson and Penetrace are equipped with strong teams and management. They have also been successful in building highly interesting solutions targeting attractive markets. We are looking forward to working together with the companies in building their international footprints,” says Arne Handeland, Partner at Verdane Capital Advisors.

“We are proud to have been part of the companies’ growth together with excellent employees, management teams and other owners. Today, both Zisson and Penetrace have a solid platform to accelerate their businesses in the Nordics and beyond, and we are looking forward to following the companies in the years to come,” says Erik E. Tønnesen, Managing Partner at Skagerak Maturo.

We are switchboard pioneers who have built a unique market position around our cloud-based contact center solution in Norway. We are grateful for the support from Skagerak Venture Capital and Skagerak Seed Capital and other owners on this journey. Now, we are excited to take our first step internationally, together with Verdane Capital IX.

André JensenCEO, Zisson

About Verdane

Verdane funds provide flexible growth capital to fast growing software, consumer internet, energy or high-technology industry businesses. The funds are distinctive in that they can invest either in a single company, or in portfolios of companies. Verdane funds have €1.2bn in commitments and have invested in over 300 holdings over the past 14 years. Verdane Capital Advisors has 30 employees working out of offices in Copenhagen, Helsinki, London, Oslo and Stockholm. More information can be found at: www.verdanecapital.com

About Zisson

Zisson is a Norwegian technology company built by switchboard pioneers connecting telecom operators’ networks and user interfaces for multi-channel customer dialogue. Our solutions are adapted to companies with an ambition to facilitate an efficient customer journey that caters to all types of customers. When we say all, we really mean all. Younger customers prefer to use social media for their dialogue with vendors and suppliers, while others prefer chat solutions, email, SMS or phone. This is part of the customer journey, which for many represents an unrealised potential. Zisson’s solutions are often key to its customers in order to give a positive first impression. www.zisson.no

About Penetrace

Penetrace is an all-in-one marketing intelligence platform enabling advertisers and agencies to see clearly how marketing can drive short- and long-term sales. Founded by six advertisers in 2005, it has grown to be a market leader in Norway delivering performance reports from 30+ markets in Europe, Asia and America. It was “born” in the cloud and now, the company will launch a disruptive AI solution enabling users to do advanced predictive modelling. Penetrace has about 30 team members located in Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Vietnam. www.penetrace.com

About Skagerak Maturo

Skagerak Maturo is an early-stage technology investor. Since the late 1990s the team has been building successful ventures together with great entrepreneurs. Skagerak Maturo is the result of Skagerak Venture Capital and Maturo Kapital joining forces. From the management of five funds and 700 MNOK the Skagerak Maturo Team has gained extensive experience in developing early-stage companies into international successes. With presence in Kristiansand, Skien and Oslo, Skagerak Maturo is positioned in close proximity to world leading technology clusters within digitalization, automation and industrial ICT. www.skagerakmaturo.no